TRAvel for CollaborativE Research (TRACER) Grant

The TRAvel for CollaborativE Research (TRACER) Grant Program is for graduate engineering students and postdoctoral associates on an academic career track with a promising research trajectory. Recipients will receive up to $7,500 in travel reimbursements to collaborate with faculty at prominent research laboratories outside of Purdue.

TRACER grants are intended for domestic or international travel to another lab to learn new research techniques, broaden research networks, and begin collaborations with world-leading experts at top institutions in their field.

Benefits and Goals

  • Grant for up to $7,500 for travel to a collaborator's research lab
  • Learn new research techniques and increase research network
  • Begin collaborations with world-leading experts at top institutions in the field.

Requirements

  • Applicants must be enrolled in an Engineering PhD program or employed as a postdoctoral researcher in the College of Engineering
  • Graduate student applicants must have passed their preliminary exam or have their preliminary exam scheduled so it will be completed before traveling for this collaboration.
  • If selected, all University processes applicable to your situation must be followed.
  • Questions or concerns should be directed to engrgrad@purdue.edu with “TRACER Grant Question” in the subject line.

Criteria

    A maximum of 5 grants will be awarded. Selected candidates will be those who are on a promising trajectory for a future career as a faculty member at a top University, as judged by application essay, CV (include list of all published/submitted articles and conference papers), and letters of support. If selected, additional forms and reviews may be necessary depending on each situation (e.g., Change of Duty Station Form, Remote Research Form, ISS review). Be prepared to take additional action as needed.

How to Apply

  • You must submit the TRACER Application Form (PDF) by October 1, 2024 for travel between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.
  • Forms must be completed electronically. Application form and supporting documents must all be compiled into a single .pdf document.
  • You must submit the form in the following manner:
    • Email your TRACER Application Form and supporting documents as a single .pdf attachment to engrgrad@purdue.edu.
    • Write "TRACER Collaborative Travel Request" in the subject line.